Evolving Trends and Patterns of Utilization of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Radiotherapy at a Single Institution, 2018-2024.

: Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in image-guided radiotherapy (RT) particularly with the introduction of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT). However, the optimal clinical applications of MRgRT are still evolving. The intent of this analysis was to describe our institutional MRgRT utilization patterns and evolution therein, specifically as an early adopter within a center endowed with multiple other technology platforms.

PET-Assessed Metabolic Tumor Volume Across the Spectrum of Solid-Organ Malignancies: A Review of the Literature.

Solid-organ malignancies represent a significant disease burden and remain one of the leading causes of death globally. In the past few decades, the rapid evolution of imaging modalities has shifted the paradigm towards image-based precision medicine, especially in the care of patients with solid-organ malignancies. Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) is one such semi-quantitative parameter obtained from positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) that has been shown to have significant implications in the clinical oncology setting.

Intraspecific Morphometric Variation in a New Species of Thélohan 1892 (Cnidaria) from the South Atlantic Ocean: An Ecomorphological Study Using Geometric Morphometrics.

A new species of (Ceratomyxidae, Myxosporea) was found infecting the gall bladder of the Argentine croaker Berg 1895 (Sciaenidae, Perciformes) from the Argentine sea. Using an integrative taxonomic approach that combines morphological, bioecological, and molecular analyses, we provide evidence that clearly differentiates this species from known taxa and formally describe as a new species. This study is the first to apply landmark-based geometric morphometrics (GM) in myxozoan research, providing a detailed analysis of conspecific morphometric variation of ceratomyxid myxospores, examining their natural variation within and among different ceratomyxids infecting the gall bladder of .

GRAMMAR-Lambda Delivers Efficient Understanding of the Genetic Basis for Head Size in Catfish.

The shape of the skull plays a crucial role in the evolution and adaptation of species to their environments. In the case of aquaculture fish, the size of the head is also an important economic trait, as it is linked to fillet yield and ornamental value. This study applies our GRAMMAR-Lambda method to perform a genome-wide association study analysis on loci related to head size in catfish.

Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) in New World Monkeys (Primates) Reveals the Distribution of Repetitive Sequences in Cebinae and Callitrichinae.

The intraspecies and interspecies Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) between the closely related Cebidae species, capuchin monkeys (, ), and the tamarins () was performed to analyze their genomes. In particular, this approach determines balanced and unbalanced repetitive DNA sequence distribution and reveals dynamics during evolution. Capuchin monkeys are considered the most ancestral group with conserved syntenies compared to the hypothetical ancestral New World monkeys' karyotype.

Populations of the Invasive Mussel in China Showed Lower Genetic Diversity in Autumn than in Spring.

Native to tropical America, the charru mussel, , has been spreading rapidly in the West Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. In order to study the adaptive evolution of and examine the present status of invasion in China, the mitochondrial gene fragment was employed to analyze the genetic variations of seven populations sampled in both spring and autumn 2023. Results showed that all the populations had high haplotype diversity (>0.

Antarctic Toothfish in the South Orkney Islands: Using Otolith Chemistry to Test Current Hypotheses About Nursery Areas and Demographic Units.

We used otolith chemistry to test and complement current hypotheses regarding habitat use and connectivity between sub-populations in Area 48 of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Sagittal otoliths from 45 fish sampled near the South Orkney Islands were analysed. Their elemental (Li, Na, Mg, Cr, Mn, Sr, Sn, and Ba relative to Ca) and isotopic (δO and δC) signatures were examined in both the nuclear and marginal regions, representing juvenile and adult stages.

Research Tendency and Frontiers of Multifocal Lenses in Myopic Control in the Past Two Decades: A Bibliometric Analysis.

This study aimed to analyze the research progress on the use of a multifocal lens for myopic control throughout the 21st century, utilizing bibliometric analysis. Publications related to multifocal lenses from 2001 to 2024 were searched on the Web of Science core collection (WoSCC) database. VOSviewer (Version 1.

What Is the Current Status of Research on the Impact of Digitalization in Medicine? A Bibliometric Analysis.

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to map key trends in the digitalization of medicine, a rapidly evolving field that incorporates advancements such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and Big Data. The analysis aims to identify the most prolific authors, highly cited works, leading countries, and contributions from research institutions, while also exploring emerging trends through keyword analysis. A dataset comprising 2606 scientific papers was retrieved from the Web of Science database.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Complicated with Intramural Descending Aorta Hematoma Followed by Aortic Wall Rupture.

: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) represents a rare autoimmune disease with granulomatous inflammation, tissue necrosis, and systemic vasculitis of the small and medium blood vessels. Although the clinical elements vary, aortic involvement is exceptional and it represents a challenge that requires a rapid intervention with the potential of displaying a fulminant evolution. : We report a 64-year-old male with an 18-year history of GPA who presented atypical low back pain.

Fc-binding nanodisc restores antiviral efficacy of antibodies with reduced neutralizing effects against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Passive antibody therapies, typically administered via parenteral routes, have played a crucial role in the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has revealed significant limitations of this approach, primarily due to mutational escape and the inadequate delivery of antibodies to the upper respiratory tract. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel prophylactic strategy involving the intranasal delivery of an antibody in combination with an Fc-binding nanodisc.

Mitochondrial base editing: from principle, optimization to application.

In recent years, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) base editing systems have emerged as bioengineering tools. DddA-derived cytosine base editors (DdCBEs) have been developed to specifically induce C-to-T conversion in mtDNA by the fusion of sequence-programmable transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) or zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), and split deaminase derived from interbacterial toxins. Similar to DdCBEs, mtDNA adenine base editors have been developed with the ability to introduce targeted A-to-G conversions into human mtDNA.

Automated AI-based image analysis for quantification and prediction of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis patients.

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease associated with rapidly evolving interstitial lung disease (ILD), driving its mortality. Specific imaging-based biomarkers associated with the evolution of lung disease are needed to help predict and quantify ILD.

Methods: We evaluated the potential of an automated ILD quantification system (icolung) from chest CT scans, to help in quantification and prediction of ILD progression in SSc-ILD.

Application of character based DNA barcode: a novel approach towards identification of fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species from cucurbit crops.

Background: The Tephritidae family, commonly referred to as true fruit flies, comprises of a substantial group within order Diptera. Numerous species within this family are major agricultural pests, with a tendency to infest a wide array of fruits and vegetables in tropical and sub- tropical regions, leading to considerable damage and consequent reductions in the market value of the crops.

Methods And Results: The current study was aimed to propose a promising solution to the menace posed by fruit flies by offering rapid, accurate and reliable species identification by using character-based DNA barcode methodology.

Identification of Pratylenchus coffeae as a causal agent of root rot disease in Sorghum bicolor in China.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an important food and feed crop. Root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) are a group of pathogenic nematodes that cause severe economic losses in various food and cash crops.

Whole-genome resequencing landscape of adaptive evolution in Relict gull (Larus relictus).

Background: The relict gull (Larus relictus, Charadriiformes, Laridae) classified as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List is defined as a first-class national protected bird in China. However, our knowledge of the evolutionary history of L. relictus is limited.

Redescription and molecular analysis of Corynosoma pseudohamanni Zdzitowiecki, 1984 (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) juveniles from Notothenia coriiceps Richardson in the water area of Argentine Islands, West Antarctica.

Corynosoma pseudohamanni Zdzitowiecki, 1984 (Polymorphidae) was described from the intestinal tract of 5 species of seals including the type and main host, the Weddell seal Leptonycotes weddellii (Lesson) in the South Shetlands, West Antarctica. Notothenia coriiceps was the primary paratenic host of 14 fish hosts reported in the original description. We describe excysted juveniles from the body cavity of the major paratenic host, Notothenia coriiceps Richardson collected off Galindez Island, Argentine Islands, West Antarctica for the first time.

Green revolution gene drives adaptation of Arabidopsis to the extremely high altitude.

To elucidate the process of adaptation, particularly the traits subject to natural selection and the molecular mechanisms underlying their natural variation, is one of the primary objectives of evolutionary biology. The uplifted landscape offers an excellent framework for understanding how organisms adapt to dramatic climatic gradients. To investigate the genetic basis of plant adaptation to the extremely high altitude, we first compared the genomic and phenotypic variations of two closely related Arabidopsis thaliana accessions from high altitude (Xizang, also known as "Tibet") and low altitude (Yunnan), respectively.

Expanding the frontiers of electrocatalysis: advanced theoretical methods for water splitting.

Electrochemical water splitting, which encompasses the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), offers a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production. The development of efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts is crucial for advancing this technology, especially given the reliance on expensive transition metals, such as Pt and Ir, in traditional catalysts. This review highlights recent advances in the design and optimization of electrocatalysts, focusing on density functional theory (DFT) as a key tool for understanding and improving catalytic performance in the HER and OER.

Decomposition of a complex motor skill with precise error feedback and intensive training breaks expertise ceiling.

Complex motor skills involve intricate sequences of movements that require precise temporal coordination across multiple body parts, posing challenges to mastery based on perceived error or reward. One approach that has been widely used is to decompose such skills into simpler, constituent movement elements during the learning process, thereby aligning the task complexity with the learners' capacity for accurate execution. Despite common belief and prevalent adoption, the effectiveness of this method remains elusive.

Genomic analysis of three medieval parchments from German monasteries.

In the last two decades there has been growing interest in the analysis of ancient DNA obtained from the parchment used in historic documents. The genetic insight that this data provides makes collections of historic documents an invaluable source for studying the development and spread of historical livestock populations. Additionally, the biological data may provide new information for the historical analysis that could be used to determine the provenance as well as the authenticity of these documents.

Proliferative and viability effects of two cyanophages on freshwater bloom-forming species Microcystis aeruginosa and Raphidiopsis raciborskii vary between strains.

Viruses that infect cyanobacteria are an integral part of aquatic food webs, influencing nutrient cycling and ecosystem health. However, the significance of virus host range, replication efficiency, and host compatibility on cyanobacterial dynamics, growth, and toxicity remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of cyanophage additions on the dynamics and activity of optimal, sub-optimal, and non-permissive cyanobacterial hosts in cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa and Raphidiopsis raciborskii.

Design of asymmetric electrolytes for aqueous zinc batteries.

Aqueous Zn batteries are gaining increasing research attention in the energy storage area due to their intrinsic safety, potentially low cost and environmental friendliness; however, the zinc dendrite formation, zinc corrosion, passivation and the hydrogen evolution reaction induced by water at the anode side, and materials dissolution as well as intrinsic poor reaction kinetics at cathode side in aqueous systems, seriously shorten the cycling life and decrease energy density of batteries and greatly hinder their development. Recent advancements in asymmetric electrolytes with various functions are promising to overcome such challenges for zinc batteries at the same time. It has been proved that the applications of asymmetric electrolytes show significant contributions in the field of zinc-based batteries in suppressing side reactions while maintaining electrochemical performance to satisfy both anode and cathode.

A phylogenetic epidemiology approach to predicting the establishment of multi-host plant pests.

Forecasting emergent pest spread is paramount to mitigating their impacts. For host-specialized pests, epidemiological models of spread through a single host population are well developed. However, most pests attack multiple host species; the challenge is predicting which communities are most vulnerable to infestation.

Natural repeated backcrosses lead to triploidy and tetraploidy in parthenogenetic butterfly lizards (Leiolepis: Agamidae).

Obligatory parthenogenesis in vertebrates is restricted to squamate reptiles and evolved through hybridisation. Parthenogens can hybridise with sexual species, resulting in individuals with increased ploidy levels. We describe two successive hybridisations of the parthenogenetic butterfly lizards (genus Leiolepis) in Vietnam with a parental sexual species.